The Angelou Centre was established over 30 years ago to provide support to women and girls experiencing domestic violence and abuse. Today, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering these vital services.
As I reflect on the past year, I do so with a sense of cautious optimism. We continue to see tangible differences in the lives of those who use our services, even against a backdrop of increasing challenges. Financial pressures across the sector remain significant, and like many organisations, we have had to navigate ongoing uncertainty while striving to maintain stability.
This has been another demanding year, particularly in relation to staffing. The reliance on short-term funding has contributed to a higher turnover of staff, which we recognise can impact continuity. Despite this, our services have remained open and responsive. This is a testament to the dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment of our staff, who continue to support our service users with compassion and professionalism. Thank you.
As a “by and for” organisation, we are governed and led by members of the communities we serve. This ensures that our services are not only culturally competent but deeply rooted in lived experience. This model fosters trust, creates safe spaces, and enables a more effective response to the complex barriers faced by the women and girls we support. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who use our services for the trust you continue to place in us.
While the longer-term impact of the pandemic continues to be felt, alongside wider pressures within the charity sector, we remain committed to strengthening our organisation. We have continued to implement changes aimed at building resilience, improving sustainability, and ensuring we are well-placed to meet future challenges.
I have been heartened by the continued passion and commitment of our supporters, partners, and sponsors. Your dedication enables us to continue advocating for and representing those who use our services. The Board would like to thank everyone who has supported, engaged with, or constructively challenged us, your input helps us to grow and improve.
Together, we will continue to deliver for our service users. Despite the challenges ahead, we remain determined, hopeful, and focused on our purpose. I look forward to the year ahead with renewed resolve.
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)".
We are a specialist black-led feminist organisation advancing human rights, equality, inclusion, empowerment and independence of women and children survivors from diverse communities by providing advocacy; information and advice; training; social/recreational activities and events; accommodation and counselling and therapeutic support.
We are a safe, confidential place run by and for women from Black and racially minoritised communities in the North East of England.
We help women, children and young people recover after experiencing violence, abuse or unfair treatment.
We listen, we understand, and we never judge.
Our support is holistic. Alongside refuge housing we provide counselling, therapy, skills courses, group trips, residentials and confidence building programmes.
Our professional experts help women understand their rights and gain independence. And we advocate on their behalf to make sure those rights are upheld.
Because we take the time to support women through all the different needs and challenges they might face, we give them the chance to truly rebuild their lives.
Help us shape a society where women and children from diverse communities achieve their full potential - free from inequality, discrimination, violence and abuse.
The Angelou Centre was founded in 1993, as a group of Black and minoritised women in Newcastle recognised that there was a huge potential for us to create our own services, address barriers and support other women in similar situations.
We define ourselves as a Black-led feminist organisation, managed and led by and for Black and minoritised women and girls (including staff, management and trustees). As a Black-led feminist organisation we are strongly committed to addressing political, economic and social inequalities and discrimination in order to effect structural and institutional change. Our work retains a critical eye on the intersecting oppression that Black and minoritised women and girls face at personal, community and institutional levels. The safety, representation and voices of Black and minoritised women and girls are central to the work we do.
We provide our holistic support through a range of 5 intersecting service areas:
Havens - safe accommodation
Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) advocacy support
Multi-lingual counselling
Ma Simba - support for children, young people and their non-perpetrating mothers
Training, wellbeing and inclusion.
We use the term ‘Black’ and ‘Black and racially minoritised’ (rather than BME, BAME, and BAMER) as a way to historically connect the resistance and struggle of women of colour that has been critical to the development of the Black feminist movement, and to create solidarity amongst Black women and girls whilst recognising diversity within Black and racially minoritised communities.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
The Angelou Centre continues to offer a range of holistic women-only services for black and racially minoritised women. The organisation remains unique as one of the few remaining, black-led women's organisations in the Northeast of England, providing specialist support for black and minority women and children, locally, regionally and nationally.
We use the term 'Black' and 'Black and racially minoritised' (rather than BME, BAME, and BAMER) as a way to historically connect the resistance and struggle of women of colour that has been critical to the development of the Black feminist movement, and to create solidarity amongst Black women and girls whilst recognising diversity within Black and racially minoritised communities.
1. Havens: Refuge accommodation and rebuilding lives
Angelou Havens provide specialist refuge, move-on accommodation and holistic support for black and minoritised survivors of domestic and sexual violence, including women and children without recourse to public funds. The holistic model of support we offer to survivors includes intersectional advocacy, access to therapeutic and recovery support, training, independent living skills development as well as advocacy, therapeutic counselling and play support for children and mothers.
Safe accommodation and culturally intuitive support is just the start. Haven staff work hard to make sure women are also finding joy and building confidence while they are with us. That means celebrating Black History Month and religious festivals together, trips to cinemas, museums and local attractions, and mobile health screenings for cervical and breast cancer. For women who haven't had control of their own finances, we also run practical sessions on budgeting and money management.
For many survivors, the Angelou Centre’s safe accommodation services are the only option in escaping dangerous and life-threatening situations. The nearest black-led refuge is 40 miles away, or well over 100 miles to Edinburgh or Leeds. We are one of only 3 refuges in the UK where Shelter refers women at risk of homelessness with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF).
Emergency accommodation – 36 bed spaces
We provide immediate, safe housing for women and children fleeing violence or other crises providing advocacy and guidance in navigating unfamiliar structures and systems in their journey to building lives free from violence and abuse.
Our fully secured and confidential locations offer a supportive environment where survivors can begin their journey towards recovery.
Accommodation for those with NPRF- 4 bed spaces
NRPF is an immigration rule that stops some people from accessing most public funds from the UK government, including tax credits, benefits or housing support. There is very limited refuge accommodation nationally for survivors with NRPF. Our staff support women to apply for Home Office concessions and access immigration advice and legal representation for longer-term complex cases. Without our NRPF dedicated bedspaces, many survivors would be left without options, forced to remain in abusive environments or face rough sleeping, homelessness and further victimisation.
Move-on accommodation- 8 bed spaces
Given the complexity of the issues they face and lack of knowledge of structures, move-on accommodation is designed for women who have developed some confidence, skills and a level of independence whilst living in our emergency accommodation but are not fully ready to be on their own. Women tend to stay in move-on accommodation for four to six months before finding independent living options.
Meeting need and demand
Demand for refuge spaces consistently outstrips what we can offer. Every day we are full is a day someone in crisis may not get the help they need. Moving from leasing to owning our properties would give us long-term stability – but requires significant capital investment we cannot meet alone. With the right partnership and funding, we could secure more safe spaces and help more families.
Achievements in the year to August 2025
Emergency accommodation
85 women and 19 children were supported in the emergency accommodation
8 pregnant women gave birth while residing in the refuge
51 women successfully moved on from the refuge.
NRPF refuge
13 women were supported over the last year
2 women had their immigration status resolved were moved into our regular emergency accommodation as they were able access to public funds
11 were complex cases: 6 women sought asylum, including 1 rehoused by the Home Office, while the other 5 continue to be accommodated (one within our mainstream refuge).
Move-on accommodation
24 women and 9 children were supported
17 women successfully moved on:
4 moved to a refuge outside the area
13 moved into their own accommodation
“This is my home” “I found my sisters from another mother”
“I feel more confident and independent now”.
“People here don't judge me—they listen and support me”.
2. Violence Against Women and Girls Advocacy & Outreach Services
Our Advocacy and Outreach Services are for women, children and young survivors of domestic abuse and/or sexual violence often addressing immigration abuse, harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), sexual exploitation, forced marriage, transnational marriage abandonment, trafficking and economic abuse perpetrated through varying cultural and social lenses by intimate partners, family members and or community members. These barriers highlight the need for culturally sensitive, trauma-informed advocacy and support services to help survivors feel safe, informed and empowered when considering whether to report a crime.
Specialist IDVAs and ISVA provide independent, survivor-led advocacy, safety planning and practical support to women as well as helping them navigate the criminal justice system and report crimes. We explain rights and options clearly, promote victims’ rights, support informed choice about reporting that is independent of police investigations.
This trauma-informed and survivor-centred support does not operate on strict timelines that can restrict the provision of effective care, but on the specific needs of the survivor. This approach finds its roots in the Centre’s intersectional advocacy work with women and children victims of domestic and sexual violence and those at risk.
Alongside supporting the survivor, we work in partnership with external agencies to share our specialist expertise and help improve their understanding of Black and racially minoritised victims and survivors.
These services are funded by the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner and the Ministry of Justice.
Achievements in the year to August 2025
In 2024-25 the targets were to support 300 black and racially minoritised survivors, in this year we reached
391 women received intersectional advocacy support and journeyed from crisis into recovery and training support including:
272 were survivors of domestic abuse and violence
119 were survivors of sexual abuse
249 women were supported through the criminal justice system including court advocacy support.
“Since I’m with you [Angelou], I feel safer, my daughter is happier, and I finally have hope for what is coming."
“I feel I have power now to do anything, my family have said I even look different now, more happier.”
Over 90% of women reported feeling listened to and understood by their advocate or support worker.
Over 95% said they were treated with dignity and respect, affirming the value of our trauma-informed approach.
Over 90% felt physically and emotionally safe while using our services, reflecting the strength of our safeguarding procedures.
95% felt supported to make their own decisions, highlighting our commitment to survivor agency.
Over 85% reported a meaningful improvement in their situation such as improved housing, legal stability, or emotional wellbeing.
90% said information was communicated in a clear and accessible way.
Over 90% would recommend the service to others, showing strong satisfaction and trust.
3. Multilingual Counselling and Therapeutic Support for Survivors
Our counselling and therapeutic care support is central to our holistic support. Our multilingual offer recognises that language barriers can exacerbate isolation and hinder access to essential services. We practice culturally sensitive counselling that looks at the impacts of immigration issues, cultural practices and social norms, which helps survivors regain their sense of self, autonomy and emotional well-being.
Many of the women we support have significant mental health and wellbeing challenges because of the trauma they have faced, lack of confidence, depression, anxiety and lack of sleep. This leads to an inability to function within the community and can lead to safeguarding issues for women, including children and their mothers.
Counsellors deliver holistic, trauma-informed counselling for women, children and young people, addressing depression, anxiety, low confidence and sleep difficulties. Clients receive up to eight weekly one-to-one sessions and a review, with a further eight available where trauma levels require it. Safeguarding concerns are identified and referred appropriately. The counselling team have all taken extra training in working with trauma and are trauma informed. All counsellors operate within British Association of Clinical Psychotherapy (BACP) ethical guidelines and receive monthly clinical supervision.
Over the past year we have supported clients experiencing: fear for their safety; domestic violence; sexual abuse and exploitation; coercive control; female genital mutilation; fear of having their children removed; homelessness and the vast majority experiencing anxiety and distress regarding their immigration issues all causing significant psychological distress.
Achievements in the year to August 2025
59 women and 21 children received counselling and therapy
Languages used in counselling sessions included English, Bangla, Hindi Urdu, Punjabi.
We worked with interpreters for sessions in Portuguese, Farsi, Turkish, Arabic, Tigrinya Kurdish, Turkish, Thai, Afghan Pasho, Amharic, Ethiopian and Vietnamese.
“Through counselling, my self-confidence has increased. I had been worried about doing the wrong things, but I’ve realised that I have what it takes to make a better life for myself.”
“Counselling has helped me understand it is not my fault. It is him. I can see he was wrong. I know my own strength now. I now believe I can make decisions that are right for me and my family, and I’m no longer afraid of the future."
4. Children & Young Survivors (CYS) and Parenting Support - Advocacy, Therapeutic Support and Recovery
The development of our work in this area has been an essential part of our VAWG Services. Advocacy and support for children and young survivors including parenting support for mothers has been delivered for over a decade. In employing a Children and Young People’s Domestic Violence Advisor (KiDVA), we were one of the first few organisations in the country to recognise that children living with violence and abuse have specific needs distinct from support for their mothers. We also recognised the need for therapeutic support, social and recreational activities for their recovery, resilience and wellbeing.
CYS service offers counselling, therapeutic play interventions, parent-child interventions, parent recovery support and group activities for children and young survivors of abuse and violence. This year, we supported Black and racially minoritised children and young people (birth to 18 years old) through therapeutic and strengths-based activities to build confidence and aid recovery. The project improves emotional health and wellbeing, family relationships, and feelings of safety.
Our parent skills and recovery programme is an essential element of our support. We help mothers and pregnant survivors, providing trauma-informed care that breaks harmful cycles and creates pathways to safety, healing and independence
Feedback from children and families highlighted the positive impact of the programme. Children often looked forward to attending sessions and spoke positively about the safe and welcoming environment. Many enjoyed the opportunity to play, learn new skills, and spend time with other children. Mothers also shared that the activities helped their children build friendships, increase their confidence, and feel more connected to their community.
Families from other regions relocating to Newcastle have commented on the lack of specialist support for Black and racially minoritised child survivors nationally.
Achievements in the year to August 2025
168 children and young survivors accessed our support services.
61 accessed counselling,
168 engaged in play interventions and group activities
96 CY survivors were supported by the KiDVA
100 parent-child interventions were delivered
124 women provided with parenting skills and recovery sessions
"The Angelou Centre has supported me and my children in so many ways. My daughter is a survivor of FGM, and the Centre has helped her with that pain and also with the racism she faced in school. They listened to us and gave us strength. I feel we are not alone anymore.”
“Without the Angelou Centre, I don’t know what would have happened to me and my children. The team has been so kind and supportive, helping us heal from all the pain we’ve been through. Seeing my six-year-old daughter smile and feel safe again means everything to me. Thank you for giving us a fresh start and making us feel like part of a family."
5. Training, Wellbeing and Inclusion
The Black and racially minoritised women we support are those with little to no English (little to no formal education or schooling while living in their homeland) or those who have never worked or only worked unskilled and unregulated jobs. Women who experience domestic violence/sexual violence come to us during the lowest point in their lives. They are frightened, presenting feelings of hopelessness with little or no sense of identity and confidence. We want to ensure that they have access to our training and wellbeing to help them achieve their full potential.
During the year, our programmes helped to build employability, digital and English language skills alongside strong peer networks – improving confidence, wellbeing and equipping women with the knowledge to achieve economic and social independence.
During the financial year, our ‘work ready’ courses included:
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) pre-entry levels 1 and 2 Intermediate and Basic English Conversation sessions.
Learn My Way, a digital skills course, developed by The Good Things Foundation Level 1 Business Enterprise course in partnership with You Are First.
As part of our holistic support, alongside training courses, we run wellbeing and inclusion activities. These social, wellbeing and creative activities build emotional resilience, support positive mental and physical health. They are crucial in helping survivors build social networks to replace those they have lost in their journey away from abuse to survival and independent living. Below are the wellbeing activities offered over the year:
Therapeutic Arts & Crafts; Walk & Talk Group; Badminton; Gardening Group (Spring-Autumn); Celebrations & Events - Black History Month, Diwali, Eid, Christmas etc; Food parcel and clothes distribution- Mahila Mandal over 50s group.
“It’s good for every woman. Staff will help you with any problem you have – like benefits, support with childcare and looking for work. There are lots of activities, like art and jewellery sessions.”
“You’ll feel more confident. Everyone calls you ‘sister’. If you can’t speak English, someone will support you, because everyone speaks different languages. I would recommend the Angelou Centre to any woman.”
Engagement & Achievements in the year to August 2025
36 women completed Learn My Way
27 women completed Enterprise Level 1, introductory pathway into business and self-employment
26 women completed Enterprise Level 2, an intermediate business course
17 women Pre-entry English
Celebrations & Events attended by 80-100 women
Annual food parcel distribution to 50-60 women
Coffee mornings with health talks delivered by professionals and volunteers: around 18-20 women per session
18-20 ‘Aunties’ attended weekly Mahila Mandal (over 50s) session to overcome isolation and exclusion
15-18 women regularly attended the weekly Walk and Talk session
16 women attended weekly Therapeutic Arts and Crafts
8-10 women attended badminton sessions
6-8 women attended gardening sessions
80 women provided with food parcels and winter accessories.
The Statement of Financial Activities shows total incoming resources of £1,317,674; (2024 -£1,061,707). Total expenditure was £1,263,440; (2024 - £1,293,850), giving rise to a surplus of £54,234; (2024 - deficit of £232,143).
Total reserves of the charity amount to £773,995; (2024 - £719,761) of which unrestricted reserves amount to £533,832; (2024 - £517,708).
At 31 August 2025 the actual "free" reserves (i.e. those not tied up with fixed assets) of the charity amounted to £329,346 (2024 - £300,206).
Our reserves policy aims to ensure that our work is protected from the risk of disruption due to lack of funds and ensures that we do not retain income for longer than required.
The trustees believe that the minimum level of reserves should be the equivalent of 6 months running/operating costs, 5% redundancy costs plus ongoing property repair costs.
The reserves we have set aside provide financial stability and the means for the development of our services in line with our vision and mission and the development of principal activity.
Reserves
The following consideration has been given in identifying the appropriate levels of reserves:
Analysis of past trends
Review of future income streams and reliability
Analysis of existing funds and reserves
Discussion with treasurer and finance sub committee
Identification of likely changes to main sources of income
Assessment of risks facing the charity
Forecasting of planned activities
The Board regularly reviews the reserves that are required to ensure they are adequate to fulfil any ongoing/continuing obligations.
Commitments/Long term Commitments
Commitments and long-term commitments that are not already reflected in budget projections are evaluated on a regular basis and further provision will be made should the need arise.
Target Range for reserves
The target range is set at 6 months. The free reserves of the charity (i.e. those not tied up with fixed assets), amounted to £329,346. The trustees believe the amount of free reserves held is adequate and in excess of the level prescribed by the reserves policy (currently estimated at £413,000). The trustees have implemented cost cutting measures in an attempt to return the charity to a position whereby it generates surpluses and to return free reserves to the desired level prescribed by the reserves policy
The Board of Trustees consider that this target maintains enough flexibility in the context of operational requirements in line with the organisation's size and complexity.
The needs of Black and racially minoritised women, children and young people continue to grow. The Angelou Centre is committed to meeting that demand with the same specialist, culturally sensitive care that has defined our work for decades. Our goals include:
Focus on making sure the right data is collected and analysed to clearly show our impact and improve grant funding opportunities. We have recently commissioned two consultants to help strengthen the Angelou Centre’s monitoring, evaluation and learning systems.
Move from leasing to purchasing properties (particularly family-sized houses) to create greater stability and long-term value for the service.
Develop a youth group for children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse.
Expand our work to six local authorities to reach more Black and racially minoritised children, young people and mothers in these areas.
Increased in-house research, campaigning and policy change for Black and racially minoritised children, young people and mothers.
Expand accommodation for approximately 100 women and their children (where applicable) by 2036, while maintaining safe, appropriate placements and ensuring women can access support through the Angelou Centre.
The Angelou Centre is a registered charity (charity number 1044344) and a company limited by guarantee (company number 02855091). It is governed by a management board of up to 12 members.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
The Recruitment and Appointment of new Trustees
Membership of the charity is open to any woman aged 18 years and over who is interested in promoting the objects of the organisation. Trustees are elected from the membership at the annual general meeting. The trustees retire after three years by rotation with one-third standing down every year. A retiring trustee may however be re-elected.
The Organisational Structure of the Charity
The Management Board is made up of minimum of 3 and maximum of 12 trustees. It meets on a regular basis and is responsible for providing strategic direction to the charity. There are sub committees covering personnel issues, finance and fundraising, general activities and programmes which meet more regularly. An Executive Director is appointed by the Board to manage the day-to-day operations of the charity.
The Induction and Training of Trustees
New trustees undergo an induction to brief them on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Memorandum and Articles, the Management Board and decision-making processes, the business plan and the recent financial performance of the charity. During this induction day they meet staff and other trustees. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate training events which will facilitate efficiency and effectiveness in undertaking their roles.
Risk Management
The trustees have identified the major strategic, business, and operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that essential action is taken to minimise those risks.
A risk management plan has been introduced as part of the formal risk management process to assess organisational risk and implement appropriate strategies. The plan considers the types of risk faced by the charity, prioritising them in terms of impact and likelihood of occurrence, and identifying means of mitigating the risks.
In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Allen Sykes Audit Limited be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
The trustees, who are also the directors of The Angelou Centre for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of The Angelou Centre (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 August 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the statement of financial position, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
the information given in the trustees' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared, which includes the directors' report prepared for the purposes of company law, is consistent with the financial statements; and
the directors' report included within the trustees' report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors' report included within the trustees' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies' exemptions in preparing the trustees' report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:
the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the company through discussions with directors and other management, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of the sector;
we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the company, including the Companies Act 2006, Charities Act 2011, taxation legislation, data protection, anti-bribery, employment, environmental and health and safety legislation;
we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence; and
identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.
We assessed the susceptibility of the company's financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:
making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; and
considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.
To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:
performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships;
tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions;
assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias; and
investigated the rationale behind any identified significant or unusual transactions.
In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:
agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation;
enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims; and
reviewing correspondence with HMRC, relevant regulators and the company's legal advisors.
There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the internal control.
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the trustees.
Conclude on the appropriateness of the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the charity to cease to continue as a going concern.
Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The Angelou Centre is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 17 Brighton Grove, Fenham, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE4 5NS.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
The Angelou Centre is a company limited by guarantee and accordingly does not have any share capital.
Every member of the charitable company undertakes to contribute such amount as may be required, not exceeding £1, to the assets of the charitable company in the event of its being wound up while he or she is a member, or within one year after he or she ceases to be a member.
At 31 August 2025 the company had 6 members (2024 - 5 members).
Grants receivable
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
The fund transfers relate mainly to transfers from restricted funds to unrestricted funds where non monetary expenditure (e.g. management charges, etc) or a contribution to core expenditure has been released during the year. The transfers have been made in order that the restricted funds shown in the balance sheet at the year end shows the total amount of funding remaining which has been restricted in its purpose.
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
Purpose of restricted funds
PCC/MOJ ISVA/IDVA - To support black and minoritised women survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence;
PCC Supporting Victims Fund - To fund advocacy and support to women fleeing domestic violence;
Domestic Violence Survivors - To fund accommodation, sustenance and activities for survivors of violence in hardship especially those with no recourse to public funds;
PCC VAWG - To provide support to female victims of violence;
National Lottery - Changing Lives - To support women experiencing sexual exploitation and sexual abuse;
Lottery Heritage Fund - To fund a network and activities for black and minoritised women's groups across the North East;
Caring Family Foundation - To fund the development of case studies of women and girls' experiences through films and showcases;
Masonic Charitable Fund - To provide support to children who have experienced domestic abuse within their family;
NLCF Reaching Communities - To fund the provision of support to young women and girls residing in the Tyne & Wear area;
NLCF Awards for All - To provide support to minoritised domestic abuse survivors;
Oak Foundation Capacity Strengthening & Care - To fund staff towards achieving the Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) qualification and provide wellbeing activities for senior leadership;
Oak Foundation - To redress ineffective risk assessments for black and minoritised survivors of VAWG.
MOJ DA/SV Community Fund - To fund advocacy and support for black and minoritised children via KiDVA and therapeutic play work;
PCC PVSC CADA - To fund services for children and young survivors of domestic abuse including therapeutic support;
VONNE Going Green Together - Funding for black and minoritised women to co-design a climate action project;
The Phoenix Way - To establish and develop The Phoenix Way project in the North East and Cumbria;
Cost of Living - To fund accommodation, subsistence, resources and activities for survivors of domestic abuse in hardship;
NE Combined Authority Enterprise - To support economically inactive women into training and employment;
ASEP - To support black and racialised female survivors of sexual abuse and violence;
Agbero Roadshow - To fund the hosting of an event;
Peer Research Gateshead - To fund the costs for young survivors to become peer researchers;
Other smaller grants - To fund other smaller projects.
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
The charity had no material debt during the year.